If he can handle the 20 ga slug he can easily handle the 7-08. Where are you at? I have the 7-08 both with and without the muzzlebrake. I can tell you that the 7-08 with the muzzlebrake (Savage 11FYCAK, youth model) is a joy to shoot. To me it seems to shoot like a .223. This rifle you can open or close the muzzlebrake.